Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 24
24
Paragraph: 120
As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to...
Conclusion
As well as impacting the labour market, the adoption of new technology is likely to affect the way DWP delivers its services. As DWP moves more of its services online, it must ensure that people with low digital literacy, who may struggle to access its digital services, can continue to access face-to-face support and in-person services. It should ensure that services that help people access benefits, such as Help to Claim, have the resources they need, and that they receive additional funding if demand increases. DWP should develop a plan for how it will work more closely with third sector organisations that support claimants to ensure that they can continue to access DWP’s services.
Paragraph Reference:
120
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Throughout the pandemic, Jobcentres have remained open for anyone who needed face-to-face support and could not be helped in any other way. Since 12 April 2021, Jobcentres in England and Wales have resumed full face-to-face services, returning to normal opening hours from 9am to 5pm. Jobcentres in Scotland have restarted the same full face-to-face service since 26 April 2021. All Jobcentre Plus offices across the country have Wi-Fi and computers available for claimants to access the internet. Work Coaches will continue to support people to maintain their Universal Credit claim. To support our ongoing commitment in helping claimants, we have recruited an additional 13,500 Work Coaches in our Jobcentres.